What does John 10:37 mean?

Jesus is wrapping up a somewhat intricate point. This is a common deliberation technique, often used by scholars and politicians of Jesus' era. While debating the meaning of the Scriptures, scribes and Pharisees might string together several references to the Word of God, implying a certain logical outcome. When threatened with stoning for blasphemy (John 10:30–31), Jesus responded with one such argument. He pointed out how the Old Testament sometimes used the same term for human authorities—elohim—as it did for God Himself—Elohim (Psalm 82). Jesus' point is that when someone is divinely appointed by God, it's not automatically blasphemy for them to use such terms in reference to themselves (John 10:32–36).

In practical terms, this means that Jesus' critics can either condemn Scripture as wrong, or accept that His claims might have merit.

Of course, Jesus is not saying that humans are equal to God the Father. Instead, He is saying that such claims have to be weighed according to the evidence—in particular, the actions of the person speaking. Since the Word of God is perfect and without error, Jesus notes (John 10:36), the mere use of those words ought not be the issue. Rather, these men ought to be looking at the miracles Jesus has done as proof that He is truthful. Others have done exactly that, and come to the right conclusion (John 3:1–2; 10:19–21).

Jesus also points out, here, that if His actions—or the actions of anyone else—don't line up with such claims, then statements like His would, in fact, be blasphemy. If Jesus is not, or did not, do works as granted by God, then these men would be obligated to reject Him as being a false teacher and blasphemer. Since Jesus has acted in harmony with the will of God, however, they have no excuse for ignoring Him.

In the following verse, Jesus will also explain how their personal distaste for Him shouldn't cloud their judgment. His works, in and of themselves, are crucial pieces of evidence.